Alamak! features designer Gunjan Gupta at its showcase in Berlin

The expression “alamak!” is commonly used in everyday conversation across Japan and South East Asia, and depicts a state of wonder or surprise. Founded by Yoichi Nakamuta, the alamak! project was initiated as an exploratory platform for design and art, keeping this very energy in mind—to provoke surprise at Asia’s contemporary creativity.

Following its inaugural showcase at La Triennale di Milano in April, the gallery finds its way to Berlin this year, with an exhibition bringing together 10 prominent artists to present their original works. Part of this collective of artists is New Delhi-based designer Gunjan Gupta—founder of the sustainable luxury brand, Wrap.

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Her artwork, the Bori Throne, has been fashioned in steel and bicycle parts, with a sculptural stack of 5 boris (jute sacks) crafted as the backrest. The use and design of boris plays into India’s cultural and agrarian roots—boris are used as storage bags for local produce, such as vegetables and grain, across the country.

Since many of the featured artists have returned from the West, the project explores the influence of their heritage and roots in the creation of their vision. Following Berlin, alamak! will host exhibitions in New York and Basel in 2017.

Visit the alamak! Gallery between November 10, 2016 to January 19, 2017 at Strausberger Platz 3, 10243, Berlin.